Underground car storage facility approved

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PLANNING chiefs at Warrington have given the go-ahead for a major development covering more than 125 acres of the former Royal Naval air station at Stretton.
The scheme involves an underground car storage facility with capacity for 118 vehicles, two storey office development and extensive landscaping on the former airfield.
It attracted strong opposition from Appleton Parish Council, Antrobus Parish Council, High Legh Parish Council and Appleton Thorn Village Hall.
In addition, there were 15 objections from people living in the Crowley, Antrobus and Appleton Thorn areas.
Planners at Warrington have imposed strict conditions to meet the objections including a complete ban on the use of the site for commercial purposes or for the testing of cars at speed.
Cllr Brian Axcell (pictured), of Appleton, said: “There were a great number of concerns that the former airfield runway could become a race track.
“The conditions imposed will mean this cannot happen.”
The application, by Hensmill Property, proposes a two-storey subterranean storage and display facility for a private collection of specialist cars and a two-storey above-ground office building, security lodge, etc. The facility will not be open to the public.
According to the applicants, the office building will be a “fascinating example of 21st century architecture.”
In addition, 10 acres of grassland and two and-a-half acres of woodland will be created, along with seven wildlife ponds
Hensmill Property say the site has been chosen for its privacy and security and there is no intention to operate it as a race track. Existing areas of hard-standing would be used for testing some of the vehicles to ensure they work properly before they are taken out on public highways.
The offices will be used by staff researching and sourcing new cars and liaising with specialist dealers across the country.
The site straddles the border between Warrington and Cheshire East and permission will also be required from Cheshire East Council before the scheme can go ahead.
It is believed there could be access issues within the Cheshire East part of the site.


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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

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